The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to Serie A after being involved in a bust-up with Roberto Mancini on January 3, and although AC Milan appeared to be frontrunners for the player's signature, their city rivals have now joined the race for the striker.

"It's true, Inter have first refusal right for Mario Balotelli. We will decide to exercise it just whether City will choose to selling him. Mario can play alongside any attacker," Ausilio told Panorama.

On Tuesday, AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi claimed Balotelli was a "rotten apple" and dismissed making a bid for the striker, while the City forward's agent has reiterated that his client will remain with the Premier League champions.

In addition to the recent training ground clash, Mancini has openly criticised the youngster’s attitude in training - insisting the striker must try harder if he is to fulfill his potential - but added that Balotelli would be given "100 more chances" to prove himself.